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How to manage stress and anxiety during lockdown

The current COVID-19 outbreak has sent the country into lockdown and, for many of us, this is incredibly stressful and worrying. While the concept of staying home a few months ago may have been music to our ears, it’s now a reality that many of us are finding it very difficult to deal with. So what can we do if we’re starting to struggle with stress and anxiety at this time? Well, there’s a number of handy tips that you can make use of that will hopefully ease your nerves and get you feeling calmer during these tough times. Today, we’ve put together our seven top tips to help you manage stress and anxiety during the current lockdown.

Exercise

It’s well documented in research that exercise has benefits for those who suffer with stress and anxiety. Whether you’re a regular visitor to the gym or an exercise novice, engaging in a little exercise is a great form of stress management and can work wonders when you’re feeling anxious. Not only does exercising take your mind off of your troubles for a few minutes, but there’s actually some science behind it too. Physical activity is known to increase the brain’s production of endorphins, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. Remember, under the current government regulations, we can get outdoors for an hour each day to exercise, so even if you end up simply going for a gentle walk, it’s still a good way to release those endorphins and to get some fresh air. Alternatively, why not look into some of the many workouts on YouTube? There are thousands of options available, all of which can be done in your living room, with everything from HIIT workouts to gentle yoga routines. Regardless of your fitness level, there’s something for everyone.

Stick to a Routine

When you’re feeling anxious, having your routine thrown off can often make you feel even more on edge. That’s why it’s important to try and keep some normality as much as you can. If you’re working from home, get dressed and ready for the day as you normally would, take your coffee and lunch breaks at the same time, and make sure you’ve a dedicated work space rather than plonking yourself in front of the TV. If you’re not working at the moment, try and plan things to do the day before so that you’re creating a new but temporary routine – get up at the same time each day, get dressed, eat breakfast, and plan a few tasks to do throughout the day to help you keep busy.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are used by many when it comes to stress and anxiety, whether it comes in the form of aromatherapy oils, supplements and, most recently, CBD oil. Essential oils such as lavender, clary sage and bergamot are popular choices in aromatherapy for their soothing and calming effects, and they can be used in a number of ways, including adding a few drops to a warm bath or simply through inhalation. Chamomile tea is often a popular choice when it comes to relaxation too, as is peppermint tea, which can be useful when soothing a nervous stomach. More recently, a number of anxiety sufferers have turned to CBD products to help with their symptoms too, and this can be in the form of pure CBD oil, or softgel supplements. If you’re thinking of trying CBD oil for anxiety, it’s certainly worth doing some research to find out more.

Look After Yourself Physically

Good mental health starts with good physical health. If you’re suffering with stress and anxiety, one of the most simple forms of self-care you can do is to look after your physical health. This includes getting some gentle exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthily. A healthy body means a healthy mind!

Take a Break From Social Media

The current COVID-19 outbreak has meant that we’re regularly exposed to news articles, not just through social media but pretty much everywhere else as well, not all of which can be helpful if you’re already feeling anxious. While social media is a great way to keep in contact with our loved ones during the lockdown situation, it can often be a hindrance when you’re feeling stressed. That’s why it’s worth taking a break from it every so often if you can. Whether you opt to turn off your notifications for a while, mute certain phrases from your timeline, or even go all in and switch your phone off for a day. When it comes to the news too, make sure you’re not exposed to it too often – perhaps listen to a podcast or playlist instead of the radio, for example. Yes, it’s good to stay informed at the moment, but not at the cost of your mental health.

Sleep Well

Just because we have some extra time on our hands, it’s important not to make sure that we’re not sleeping too much or too little. If you don’t have to get up early, it might be tempting to go to bed later and sleep in each morning, but making sure that you stick to your usual sleep habits will ensure you keep some sort of normality to your routine. If you’re struggling to get to sleep, trying relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises before bed could help you drift off a little easier, or you could even try natural remedies such as CBD Night Oil, which is infused with lavender essential oil to help soothe you into a good night’s sleep. Make sure you take a look at our tips for stress free sleep too.

Stay Connected

Keeping in touch with loved ones is more important than ever right now, and it can work wonders if you’re needing a boost. Regularly make use of Facetime and Zoom to stay in touch with your friends and family, and even if you end up talking absolute rubbish, it will do you the world of good.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to be feeling anxious and stressed at the moment. These are some difficult times and it’s only natural if you’re struggling a little. However, now is the time when self-care and stress management is more important than ever, so make sure you take steps to look after yourself.